76 schools remain closed as ministry pledges aid for displaced students

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting students and teachers displaced by ongoing military tensions along the Cambodian–Thai border, focusing on educational continuity and humanitarian aid.

As of January 12, a total of 76 schools in four border provinces remain closed, according to the ministry.

A separate report from the Ministry of Interior, released yesterday, listed the damage and sovereignty violations across seven provinces: Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong, and Siem Reap.

During a recent visit to Kandol Primary School safety camp in Banteay Meanchey, Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron inspected classrooms, teaching activities, and the distribution of school supplies, food, and other essentials to displaced students, as well as financial aid for teachers.

He praised the educators’ commitment to maintaining learning despite the challenging conditions in the border regions.

The conflict, which escalated in July 2025, has left many families in economic distress. Moeun Kanha, a mother of students displaced in Banteay Meanchey’s O’Chrov district, said her family is currently unemployed and relies entirely on aid organisations.

“We hope for a peaceful resolution so we can return to our villages safely,” Kanha said, thanking the ministry and private donors for providing food and education for refugee children.

During a lecture on “Youth and Education in Cambodia 2030” at the 11th Global Youth Camp in Siem Reap, Naron highlighted the role of young people learning from history and global politics to bolster their patriotism and leadership abilities.

He said that past conflicts with Thailand emphasised the need for peace, the protection of national sovereignty, and the settlement of disputes through diplomacy and international law.

Naron also warned young people to stay alert against “fake news” and geopolitical rivalry that could threaten national security.

The Ministry of Interior said yesterday that out of more than 640,000 people originally displaced, around 510,000 have returned home. Nevertheless, 134,731 people—including nearly 44,000 children—still remain in safety camps.

In Oddar Meanchey province, 236 schools have reopened, while 24 remain closed. In Banteay Meanchey province, five schools are still closed. In Preah Vihear province, 32 schools have reopened, while 29 schools remain closed, including seven that were damaged and 22 that are undergoing clearance for unexploded ordnance.

Ministry officials said that school sites must be completely cleared of explosive remnants before students are allowed to return.KhmerTime